Challenging Behaviour

Assertion of the rights of the learning disabled to inclusion in society has brought increasing challenges to community services to meet the needs of a significant number of people whose behaviour represents a challenge. From aggression and self-injury through to bizarre mannerisms, the combination of intellectual and behavioural disabilities can easily jeopardise the health, safety and welfare of the affected and their carers. This book provides a concise overview of behavioural approaches to understanding, assessing and treating challenging behaviour. It discusses criticisms of these approaches and draws attention to recent developments which have implications for future practice. Also covering the social context and epidemiology, neurobiological models and psychopharmacological approaches to intervention, it will be an invaluable resource to clinical and educational psychologists, psychiatrists and all therapists involved in the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour.